Ohio State vs. Michigan State: The Spartans Will See a Different Braxton Miller

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller has aged and grown from his mistakes and will shred a Michigan State defense that held the talented quarterback in check last year.

Miller had one of his worst games as a freshman last year against MSU.

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He completed five passes (on 10 attempts) for 56 yards and one interception. Plus, the Spartan defense contained Miller’s ability to run the ball, holding him to negative 27 yards.

Last year against Michigan State, Miller was starting his second game and his first against a Big Ten conference opponent. He wasn’t ready for what the Spartans could do to an inexperienced quarterback.

Spartans’ head coach Mike Dantonio realizes that his defense will be put to a tougher test this year against a more experienced Miller, telling MLive.com, "He was a brand-new freshman in the system (last year). You've seen immense growth in a year."

The growth that Dantonio spoke can be attributed to Urban Meyer and the spread-offense that he has installed.

With Meyer’s new offense, Miller has been able to use his running ability to complement his powerful arm.

Through four games this year, Miller has 14 touchdowns to go with 1,195 total yards.

The touchdowns and combined yards are impressive; however, Miller has improved his decision making with his throws. His completion percentage is at 61.2 percent, while his quarterback rating of 145.3 is fifth among quarterbacks in the Big Ten.

But—from that same article on MLive.com—Dantonio knows that you have to limit Miller’s rushing ability saying:

"He's a very exciting player, dynamic player, and he makes them go," Dantonio said. "He's a tailback who can throw in the backfield. He runs with power. He'll spin on contact, he'll juke you if you set up on him a little bit.

Last year the Spartans sacked Miller nine times. Time has passed, Miller has aged and he’s proven that he can become the quarterback that Ohio State fans hoped he would be when he arrived on campus.

This year against the Spartans he will have a breakout game and lead the Buckeyes to victory.